How to choose where to study abroad
You might be convinced that studying abroad is the right choice for you. So, the next question becomes: where do you go?
There are many ways you can approach this decision but here are some key factors that can help you find the perfect destination.
Education system
No matter where you choose to study abroad, the education system of your destination will have a huge impact on your day-to-day life - and every country is unique.
For example, the duration of different courses and programs will likely vary depending on the country you choose. Let’s say you’re studying at the undergraduate level; In the UK, most bachelor’s degrees only take three years to complete. On the other hand, in countries like Australia, you’ll generally be looking at four years of study.
Similarly, many master’s degrees in the UK only take one year to complete. However, in Australia, they typically take a year and a half to two years to finish. In our upcoming sessions about studying in each of these countries, we talk in greater detail about the education systems in each country. So, to learn more, be sure to join us for those.
You’ll also have a unique number of terms in your academic year depending on where you study. For instance, in the UK, you’ll usually have three terms that break up the year; in other parts of the world, you may only have two terms (which are generally known as semesters).
Be sure to research the education system of the country you’re considering so you know what to expect.
Courses and practical learning opportunities
An important factor to consider is what you want to study. This can be another way to begin your research. If you know what you want to study, find out what universities are highly regarded in this field. You can then dive even deeper, looking into the courses that have the best facilities, teachers, and student success rates.
You should also think about the job opportunities available in the country you are considering. Specifically, do your research on which industries really need workers. For example, Australia is currently experiencing skills shortages in sectors like healthcare, engineering and IT. As a result, studying in these fields could make you a stand-out candidate in the workforce.
It’s also worth considering the practical side of a degree and what countries have to offer in this sense. For example, if you’re studying art, does the country or city have plenty of galleries and museums around for you to explore? If you’re pursuing a degree in botany, is there good nature to explore in nearby regions? While it’s great to have a theoretical education, practical experience has a huge influence on your future career, which is why it’s important to think about when choosing your destination.
Lifestyle, culture & geography
Think about what you want your life to look like when you’re studying overseas. You might fantasize about living near the beach and going for ocean swims after class. Or you might want to be in a bustling city rich with art and history. Another approach is to use things you know you don’t want to eliminate certain options. For example, you may hate cold climates. For that reason, you can cross certain countries off the list and look into courses in warm places like Australia. Be honest with yourself about what you want from your day-to-day life and research locations that offer this.
You should also think about the culture of your desired study destination. Culture refers to the ideas, customs and social practices of a given place and community. Living and studying in a new country means you’ll need to adapt to its culture. So, research different countries’ cultures ahead of time to see what interests you. Specific cultural elements to consider could include language, traditions and customs, and values such as equality and justice.
Geography is another key consideration. Your chosen study destination might be very far from your home country and, as a result, have a big time difference. This might be an important factor for you, particularly if you’re hoping to call your loved ones back home quite often. Depending on the geographical location of your study destination, you may also have amazing travel opportunities available to you. As an example, if you study in the UK, you’ll have the rest of Europe right at your doorstep. That means that journeying to countries like France, Spain, Belgium, and so many more is made much easier.
Cost of living
How much you pay for your international study experience will depend largely on where you choose to go.
Major cities - such as London or Sydney - are of course going to have a higher cost of living, particularly when it comes to accommodation. However, there’s a reason they are expensive - because they have so much to offer! People from all over the world come to these places to experience the art, nightlife, and culture.
However, if you’re looking to spend less, you may want to look at smaller cities, some of which may even be in remote or regional areas.
When exploring your options, make sure you research how much you would need to comfortably live there and start planning how you would manage your finances.
If you’re planning to study in the UK, we recommend using the UCAS budget calculator and consulting its cost of living hub. If you’re planning to study in Australia, the Insider Guides Cost of Living calculator is an awesome interactive tool to check out. It allows you to compare the cost of living in Australia’s capital cities and learn more about expenses like accommodation, public transport and more.
You can also learn more about the cost of living in each of these countries by checking out our other sessions on this platform, which outline everything you need to know about studying in the UK and Australia.
Scholarships and financial aid
This goes hand in hand with the cost of living. Many universities and governments around the world offer scholarships for international students. These can range from full tuition discounts to a set amount you get every month to contribute to your living expenses.
Either way, it pays to do your research. Look into what scholarships are available on university and government websites.
It’s also worth considering what financial assistance may be available through the government in your home country as it may have partnerships with foreign governments or institutions.
Student visa requirements
When looking into your options for study abroad, you need to also keep in mind that each country will have its own set of student visa rules. Whether you meet these requirements or not can naturally have a major effect on where you are able to study.
Most countries will require things like proof of funds, course acceptance and/or enrollment, health insurance, proof of character, and more. We’ll talk about how to understand the student visa requirements of your chosen study destination a bit later on.
While these five factors should all play a role in your decision, it's up to you how heavily you weigh each of them. There’s no right or wrong approach here, but this framework can help you answer some important questions and make your decision a little easier.
Most importantly, remember that, although this decision can feel daunting, it’s also meant to be exciting! Do your research, trust your gut, and you’ll make the right decision for you.
